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Skin cancer

An abnormal or uncontrolled growth of the cells of the skin can be benign or malignant. If it's malignant, it's called skin cancer. A malignant growth can invade neighbouring tissues or spread to distant organs in the body (metastasis).

The main risk factor for any type of skin cancer is exposure to the intense ultraviolet light of sunshine. It is particularly common in places where the sun is strong such as Australia, and less common in people with dark skin. People at increased risk tend to have:

The skin is made up of three layers: the outer epidermis, the dermis below this and the supporting subcutaneous layer of loose tissue and fat. Cells in any of these layers can be the origin of a cancerous growth.

Problem skin growths

These are not cancers. Benign skin growths include warts, moles or corns, which are rarely serious problems. There are other, less common benign skin problems that can become malignant. These include:

Bowen's disease: This is a pre-cancerous skin condition. It looks like a red scaly area of skin, and is restricted to the epidermis. If left untreated, it can develop into a squamous cell carcinoma.

Actinic keratosis: This is a small lump of hard skin, commonly seen in areas exposed to the sun. The condition is usually harmless, but there is a very small risk of them transforming into squamous cell carcinomas.

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC), also known as rodent ulcer. This is the most common form of malignant skin cancer. A BCC arises from cells in the epidermis. Typically it affects only small areas, grows slowly and does not spread to other tissues. Consequently a BCC is not usually life-threatening. However, if left untreated, the cancerous cells can 'burrow' deeper into the skin, hence the name rodent ulcer. BCC are associated with sun exposure and often affect the face.

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC): This is the second most common malignant skin cancer, and in rare cases it can be life-threatening. It arises from cells in the epidermis and invades the skin locally, but it can also spread to nearby lymph nodes. Squamous cell carcinomas appear as thickened skin, a nodule or lump or can appear as an ulcer. SCC can be caused by sun exposure and certain viruses that affect the skin, and can occur in old scars.

Malignant melanoma: This is the most serious skin cancer and often spreads to other tissues or organs. Although it can develop from moles in the skin, most melanomas arise from a pigment-producing cell found in the epidermis. Melanomas resemble moles on the skin, but there are differences. The following list of features can help distinguish a melanoma from a normal mole. Asymmetry: The melanoma skin lesion is an irregular shape; Border: The outline of the spot is ragged rather than smooth; Colour: There is a variation of colour within the spot; Diameter: The spot is bigger than 6mm across and/or has increased in size recently; Elevation: The lesion is raised above the surface of the skin.

Other features which may indicate skin cancer include any spot that changes in size, shape or colour; itches, bleeds or forms an ulcer. Although these signs do not necessarily indicate skin cancer, you should visit your doctor to have it assessed.

If a skin cancer is suspected, your doctor may recommend a biopsy, which involves removing a sample of the skin from the affected area for examination under a microscope. If necessary, you will be referred to a skin specialist called a dermatologist, a cancer specialist (oncologist) or plastic surgeon.

If there is a risk that the cancer may have spread, other tests such as CT or MRI scans, and X-rays may be needed to visualise areas inside the body.

Actinic keratosis and Bowen's disease: the area of affected skin is removed, either by freezing with a spray of liquid nitrogen or using a skin cream called 5-fluorouracil. The removed tissue can be examined under a microscope to confirm the diagnosis.

Basal cell carcinoma can usually be cut away in a minor operation, or removed by freezing with liquid nitrogen. Sometimes radiotherapy or topical (applied to the skin) chemotherapy may be also needed.

Squamous cell carcinoma is usually removed surgically because of the risk of spread to other sites. Surgery might be followed up with radiotherapy.

Melanoma: When melanoma involves only the epidermis, this is called melanoma in situ. It can be removed surgically. The surgeon will also remove a ring of normal skin. The deeper the melanoma, the more surrounding tissue needs to be removed. If a large area of tissue is removed then a skin graft might be needed to fill the "hole". If the cancer has spread, chemotherapy and other medications may keep the disease at bay for a while. At this point, treatment is unlikely to cure the condition, and focuses on relieving symptoms and prolonging life. The thicker the melanoma at the time of diagnosis, the more likely the cancer is to have spread.

Be 'sun aware'. To reduce the risk of skin cancer, minimise your exposure to the sun. Always be use sunscreens, wear protective clothing and remain in the shade as much as possible, and especially between 11a.m. and 3 p.m. when the sun is at its strongest. Avoid sun beds.

Be vigilant: the earlier a skin cancer is identified and treated then the better the outcome. You should show your doctor any skin lesion, which is unusual, new or changing shape as soon as possible.

This information was published by Bupa Group's Health Content Team and has been reviewed by appropriate medical or clinical professionals. To the best of their knowledge the information is current and based on reputable sources of medical evidence, however Bupa (Asia) Limited makes no representation or warranty as to the completeness or accuracy of the Content.

The information on this page, and any information on third party websites referred to on this page, is provided as a guide only. It should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional medical advice, nor is it intended to be used for medical diagnosis or treatment. Bupa (Asia) Limited is not liable for any loss or damage you suffer arising out of the use of, or reliance on, the information.

Third party websites are not owned or controlled by Bupa and any individual may be able to access and post messages on them. Bupa is not responsible for the content or availability of these third party websites. Last updated August 2017.